Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd), Sole Administrator of Rivers State, confirmed that the 2025 state budget of ₦1.48 trillion covers the salaries and benefits of suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, members of the State House of Assembly, and other political officeholders. Ibas revealed this while addressing the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State oversight on Wednesday, June 11.
He explained that these allocations were made in case constitutional governance is restored after the current emergency rule ends. This move reflects expectations of a return by Governor Fubara and the Assembly members, suspended since March 2025, following recent discussions with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The budget includes figures from the first quarter of the year, aligning with public finance management guidelines. Ibas noted that even suspended officials had accessed some funds already and may return to office when the emergency period lapses.
Key allocations in the budget include ₦324.5 billion for infrastructure and transport, ₦55 billion for relocating and expanding the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, and ₦50 billion to upgrade zonal hospitals. Other figures include ₦38.85 billion for shoreline and erosion control, ₦30 billion for zonal secondary schools, and ₦5.75 billion for primary school rehabilitation.
The budget also earmarks ₦2.5 billion for women’s economic programs, ₦3 billion for youth development centers, and ₦20 billion to recapitalize the Rivers State Microfinance Bank to boost small and medium businesses. A separate ₦117 billion is allocated to pensions, gratuities, and other staff benefits.
According to Ibas, the budget aligns with the Rivers State Development Plan (2017–2027), focusing on increasing revenue, infrastructure growth, workforce development, and inclusive economic progress.
He raised concerns about discrepancies in the 2024 budget, noting the state recorded ₦1.04 trillion in revenue, exceeding its ₦800.39 billion target by 31%. However, actual spending was reported at ₦740.74 billion—₦52.7 billion short of projections. Ibas argued that these figures seem understated and should be reviewed.
Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, responded by assuring that the committee is committed to scrutinising the budget thoroughly. He pledged full cooperation with the state’s leadership to ensure peace, accountability, and sustainable development, emphasizing that the process would be transparent and firm.
